While visiting an ancient Church, whose origin is linked to the time of visit of St. Thomas , I noticed the confession of St. Thomas inscribed prominently above the ornamental altar.
As the congregation comes together for every worshipping occasion, these words hopefully would come alive to at least some. While moving around the campus of this church with a membership of over 2000 faithful, I met many waiting outside, solemnly participating in the worship service which was relayed through the public address system. They were outside because there was no standing space available inside.
Most faithful would attend worship services periodically if not regularly. This is a tradition and ritual most people would not like to miss.
Having lived in Kerala for three years now, it is clear to us that these religious practices help in showing the 'narrow way' of living righteously against the wide open door of materialism, fulfilment driven life style, and pursuit of ambition at any cost.
During the time when the Wesley brothers were engaged in announcing the good news of Jesus of Nazareth through songs and sermons in the United Kingdom, there was an increased consciousness about living moral lives that the crime rates dropped, alcohol consumption decreased, and the quality of family life improved remarkably. In fact it is mentioned in public health books that people kept their homes and streets clean that even the incidence of epidemics of communicable diseases decreased.
I look forward to the same effect in Kerala - a decline in alcohol consumption drunker behaviour at home!
M.C.Mathew(photo and text)
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